f your child has dark circles under their eyes, it may be due to allergies, warns a new report. Dark circles are caused by melanin pigments or thin skin around the eyes revealing underlying blood vessels, as well as under-eye wrinkles and fat. When combined with allergies, congestion in the nasal blood vessels can cause blood to stagnate under the eyes, leading to pigmentation.
This is especially concerning for young children, as allergies can lead to respiratory illnesses, hinder oral and facial development, and even cause malocclusion if severe nasal congestion forces them to breathe through their mouths. In addition, untreated allergies can result in chronic fatigue, swollen nasal membranes, and other symptoms such as decreased concentration and dark circles under the eyes.
However, misdiagnosing allergies as the common cold may lead to unnecessary antibiotic use, which can cause loss of appetite, impaired digestion, and sleep disturbance in children.
That’s why if your child has severe dark circles under their eyes, it’s worth considering allergies and seeking medical attention to confirm the diagnosis with an allergy test. According to pediatric allergy specialist Dr. Kyung-Hoon Lee of Chung-Ang University Hospital, “60% to 70% of pediatric allergy patients exhibit dark circles under their eyes, and the severity of the circles is correlated with the severity of their allergies.”
Dr. Lee further warns that untreated allergies in young children can have negative effects on their growth, appearance, personality, and learning ability, leading to decreased focus, memory, and recall. “Research has also shown that children with allergies tend to have lower learning performance,” he adds.
